Celibacy/Abstinence/Brahmacharya and Urdhvaretas in Women

QuestionDear Sir. In many commentaries, more is talked about brahmacharya and urdhwaretas in men only.
I would like to know if women also can benefit from brahmacharya and hence attain urdhwaretas.
How do women do this ? Kindly advice.

AnswerYes, a similar process occurs in women, eventually making them 'Urdhwarajas' (Urdhvaretas in men), when the downward flow of 'Bindu' (seed) is arrested. The matter is available in past answers.

Expertise

Questions concerning the practice of 'Brahmacharya' to know the self, & the means required are dealt with here.

Experience

The term 'Yoga' is a derivative of the Samskruth verb 'Yuj' which refers to union. 'Yoga', also called 'Brahma vidy‚' is the eternal dissolution of the individual 'Aham' (Ego) into the Atman (self) for 'Mukti' (liberation).
Mere indulgence in '¬sana' or physical postures is not Yoga. ¬sana is only one limb or 'Anga' of Yoga. The eight limbs viz. Yama, Niyama, ¬sana, Pr‚n‚y‚ma, Praty‚h‚ra, Dh‚rana, Dhy‚na and Sam‚dhi are the means to Yoga. Brahmacharya or spiritually based continence is one of the important components of 'Yama'. 'Brahmacharya':- "Brahmani charyathey ithi" - "To surrender one's Ego and go with the will of the Almighty."